On January 26, 2026, Mowasalat (Karwa) — Qatar’s national public transport operator — took a significant step toward autonomous mobility by hosting a public Robotaxi trial at Old Doha Port. The event offered residents and visitors a hands-on experience riding in driverless taxis within a real operating environment under approved safety regulations.

 

 

A Milestone in Qatar’s Smart Mobility Vision

The Robotaxi initiative is part of a broader effort aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Ministry of Transport’s push toward smart, sustainable, and technology-driven transport solutions. By opening the experience to the public, Mowasalat aims not only to demonstrate the technological maturity of autonomous vehicles but also to build public trust and understanding of this transformative mobility option.

“The public trial is to give people a chance to try the service and to increase confidence in it,” said Dr. Hamed Al Shaibani, Executive Director of IT and Communications at Mowasalat (Karwa).

 

How the Trial Worked

Participants — selected from applicants who registered online — were invited to ride in one of ten Robotaxi vehicles deployed within a designated area of Old Doha Port. Before boarding, riders received a briefing about the technology, ride expectations, and safety protocols.

Each trip was supervised by a trained safety officer onboard, ready to intervene if needed and collect feedback for further refinement. Passengers could also see real-time information about their ride through interactive screens installed inside the vehicles.

 

Technology Behind the Robotaxi

Karwa’s Robotaxis are equipped with a state-of-the-art array of sensors and components designed for full autonomous operation, including:

• 11 cameras for visual perception around the vehicle
• 4 radar units for object detection and tracking
• 4 LiDAR sensors for precise 3D mapping and navigation

This combination provides 360-degree awareness, enabling safe navigation and real-time response to obstacles and environmental changes.

 

Where It’s Already Operating

Beyond the trial at Old Doha Port, Karwa’s Robotaxi service is already operational in key Doha locations:

• West Bay
• Central Doha
• Hamad International Airport area

The service runs daily from 6:00 AM to 4:00 AM, accommodating up to two passengers per ride, and can be booked via the Karwa app. Pricing is equivalent to standard taxi fares, with payment available by card or digital wallet.

 

What This Means for Qatar’s Transport Landscape

The Old Doha Port trial represents an important public engagement milestone. By involving residents directly, Karwa and the Ministry of Transport can gauge user perceptions, collect valuable insights, and adapt the service for broader rollout.

It also reinforces Qatar’s status as a regional leader in adopting cutting-edge transportation technologies, complementing other autonomous mobility experiments such as autonomous ground vehicles and future urban air mobility systems being tested in the country.

 

 

Next Steps & What to Watch For

As autonomous transport technology continues to evolve globally, Qatar’s phased approach — starting with controlled public trials — underlines the importance of safety, regulation, and public confidence in successful deployment. Future developments may include:

• Expansion of Robotaxi routes and operational zones
• Phased reduction of onboard safety monitors as reliability metrics improve
• Integration with broader smart city and transport systems
• Public education campaigns to boost adoption